BLAKROC

Yo remember rap meets rock?  Well this is completely different and DOPE.  The soulfull sounds of The Black Keys get pummeled by the likes of Mos Def, RZA, Billy Danze, Pharoah Monch, Q-Tip, Ol Dirty, Raekwon, and Jim Jones.  You have to check the trailer below... its dope just by itself.  The album is out now (Came out on Black Friday).  It's definitely worth the cheddar so cop this shit ASAP.

BLAKROC from Jonah Schwartz on Vimeo.

New eLZHi Mixtape--------> FREE

Yo what up world?  Here is a lil somthin somthin from that dope ass cat eLZHi.  Just like the title of this post says, THIS SHIT IS FREE FOR YOU TO DOWNLOAD.  According to the site its: "The Leftovers UnMixedtape is exactly what it sounds like: A compilation of one of the game's most talented Emcee's unreleased and featured works. Whether it's a promo joint from a few months back (eLZhi and Black Milk - Deep), a feature from another artist's project (Danny Brown - Contra feat. eLZhi), or just a rare gem from years past (eLZhi and DJ Dez - Living), these Leftovers would have passed for a fresh cooked meal if you didn't know better. It's raw, uncut, unmastered, fresh from the studio and ready for your ears. No DJs, just eLZhi and his comrades, your speakers and you. Without the Leftovers UnMixedtape, most of these songs would never have seen the light of day, so consider this a gift, and come get your grub on!"

Get some homie.  CLICK HERE FOR THE DOWNLOAD SONDOOBIE!

De La Soul Forever

Yo what up world?  This is one of the all time greatest hip hop groups ever!  Period, point fuckin blank.  If you don't agree, sorry.  And you need to heed the words from "Church", and "Wake UP... Wipe the sleep from yo eye cracks..".  For real, for real.  Turn off the radio and listen to real, true HIP HOP MUSIC.  I remember the first time I heard "Pot Holes In My Lawn" back in High School, and being like, "Yo who the hell is this?"  That was '89 and these brothas are still murdering beats.  Half the cats out today should take heed and sign up for the De La Soul Hip Hop 101 Classes. 

The Grind Date came out in 2004 and it still gets front to back play in my ride on a damn near daily basis.  The lyrical genious of these living legends is evident through out the whole album, and the production is second to none.  One of my favorite joints is "Church", and the production is by 9th Wonder.  The Plugs continue to show the world what real Hip Hop is and they are amongst the top live shows out there today.  So heres to you Dave, Posdnuos, and Maseo.  Keep slappin these mutha fuckas around and settin the bar for this game amongst all the fake ass microwave popcorn-ass bustas.  This joint right here is another one of my favorites from the album.  "Much More" was produced by J-Dilla and is a classic.  RIP Dilla.....

Immortal Technique Reigns Supreme

One of the greatest MCs/storytellers of our times is the legendary Immortal Technique.  Here are some facts about this cat straight from the Viper Records website bio of him: "Born in a military hospital in South America, Immortal Technique was brought to the United States in the early 80's while a civil war was breaking out in his native Peru.....Although he had escaped the belligerent poverty and social turmoil of life in the 3rd world, he was now residing in Harlem which had its own share of drama. Growing up on the streets of New York, the young man became enamored with Hip Hop culture, writing graffiti and starting to rhyme at an early age. Although he frequently cut school and ended up being arrested time and time again for his wild behavior, the kid still managed to finish high school and got accepted to a state university. Unfortunately the survivalist and aggressive attitude that was the norm in New York City caused him to be involved in more violent altercations at school, whether it was with other brothers, false flaggers or the relentlessly racist population of an uncultured Middle America.....Compiling multiple assault charges in New York State and in other states eventually caught up to the uncompromisingly hardheaded actions of one Immortal Technique. He faced several charges for Aggravated Assault in the tri-state area....Paroled in 1999, Immortal Technique returned to NYC and began a campaign to claim victory to what he had discovered he had a talent for; battling. One of the rites of passage in establishing oneself in the Hip Hop community is following in the steps of those who made their name in lyrical warfare before you. Immortal Technique quickly became known throughout the underground. His brutally disrespectful style was trademark, and it was not long until he had won countless battles not just on stage and in clubs, but on the streets whenever a random cipher would pop up. From Rocksteady Anniversary, to Braggin Rites, SLAM DVD's and hookt.com's infamous battles, he established himself as someone who could captivate a crowd and who people looked forward to seeing....Established in the underground circuit Tech began another round of dealing with record labels unwilling to see the direction of his brutally honest and cultured rhymes. He decided to continue with what had been so successful, his hand to hand out the trunk hustle. In the post 9.11 climate, as the music industry crumbled, Immortal Technique built on the truth with a hardcore brand of street politics. Being featured in XXL, The Washington Post, and having been titled with the Hip Hop quotable in The Source (10/03) for his sophomore independent release Revolutionary Vol.2 was just the beginning.. On Viper Records, where he is the Executive VP, he sold 29,000 copies of Revolutionary Vol.2 to date."

This cat is truly one of the dopest MCs and has built a fanbase around the world.  This is a video for his song "Dance With The Devil", and I am sharing this with you because its not a typical video.  The video was animated and created by a fan from Germany named Viola Baier.  DOPE!!!!

Kardinal Offishall Reppin Toronto

Yo what up world?  Speaking of the world, you have probably heard this cat Kardinal Offishall on a few joints over the past 10 years or so.  He's coming out of Canada reppin Toronto.  He is definitely known as the ambassador of Canadian Hip Hop.  Well, homie has a new album droppin soon and this single is called "We Gon Go".  The production is by Super Dave West.  If you don't know who that is you better ask somebody.  De La all day fools.  Peep it.

DOOM New Album Coming Soon

Yo heres a sneak peek at the first single off of the upcoming release from DOOM,  Born Like This. According to the LEX Records website: "DOOM's album BORN LIKE THIS. will be available to download from next week. it includes a bonus beat produced by DOOM and remixes from Thom Yorke, Dr Who Dat? and Jneiro Jarel / Dave Sitek. Beatport exclusive version matches the 12" vinyl (out January 2010) and also includes instrumentals, acappellas, and DJ friendly Villainous scratch samples... "

The song is straight dope so smack your eardrums around a little bit with this shit.

Unreleased Joint from Black Thought

Yo heres a previously unreleased track from that lyrical genius Black Thought.  This was recorded around the time Phrenology came out and was going to be a part of Black Thought solo release, Masterpiece Theatre.  Produced by Karriem Riggins. The track is "Mona Lisa", and its a flipped version of the Slick Rick joint. Peep it.  It's DOPE.

Nas Arrested In Georgia Last Week

Yo what up world?  It appears that the Police are up to the same ol shit again.  Thats according to Nasty Nas, who apparently was arrested for DUI last week in Georgia.  Nas told TMZ that,"You know what it is, profiling man. You know they can’t keep a good man from shining,”.  You can hear Nas in the video, shot from the dash cam of the PoPos ride, admit to passing a joint around at a friends house a few hours earlier.  The video released last week shows Nas going throught all the road side sobriety tests.  Keep your head up Nas.

Also in news about Nas, Damien Marley and Nas are set to release Distant Relatives.  You can see the duo in the photo above hard at work.  This will be a banger I'm sure and I can't wait to hear it.  Yo here's the video.

Which Doobie You Be

You what up world?  Ya'll remember them brothas Funkdoobiest?  Heres a video off their latest album, The Golden B-Boys.  Some dope shit.  If you aint ever heard of these cats, get out and pick up their shit.

Tony Touch Toca Tuesday Interview

That Puerto Rican genius on the 1's and 2's spent some time with Joell Ortiz on Toca Tuesday recently.  Check out the interview and the freestyle that blessed the ShadE 45 listeners. 

Poll Winner: BIG DUKE FROM PSYCHO REALM

Yo big ups to that Psycho, Big Duke from the Realm. I know I voted for you SICKO. If you don't know Duke or his brother Sick Jacken, then stop listening to the fucken radio and put some real Hip Hop in your brain. Like one my homies always tells the young bucks, "Listen to this shit.... it'll change your life homie". And that ain't no bullshit. I can still remember hearing Duke for the first time ripping through "Psycho City Blocks" and just sitting there feeling like this dude was talking to me. One of the best to ever grab the mic. Big Duke you are truly a living legend homie.

WEST COAST BABY

Yo what up world? Remember back in the day when Death Row had this shit on lock. I do. I was in high school or just out of it when that Deep Cover movie came out. That was when the world got a little sample of Snoop D- Oh Double G. Those Chronic and Doggystyle joints would go on to be the soundtrack of California parties for quite a few years.

Almost everybody from those days has split from Tha Row, but there is a new album out recently that chronicles all those funky ass Cali dreamin songs that are sure to make you fiend for a 40 oz of O E and fat sack of that chronic. If you cant get down like that anymore, here is a little sample from that new release. This is the video that was never released until now.

Give Thanks

Yo what up world? I just wanted to touch base with y'all and say that I hope you had a good holiday weekend with the fam. With all the crazy shit going on in the world its good to have people in your corner to watch out for whats good for you. Give thanks to these peeps in your life.

Make sure to also give thanks that we live in a society that doesn't try to tell us what we can listen to. Yeah man censorship is out there, but for the most part we still get dope ass hip hop to listen to. For all of those in the struggle, keep your head up, and keep grindin. Here's a little bit of the dope hip hop I'm thank full for. Enjoy!

Classic Diss Material

Yo what up world? Seems like the trouble between Beanie Seigel and Hov is getting to be mad heated. Beans has released a few diss tracks and now a freestyle from him has surfaced and is the talk of the Hip Hop world. I love the fact that he is spittin over a Cypress Hill beat. Kinda reminds a brotha of the days when all this beef shit was handled on wax and not with shootings and shit in the street. This is hip hop y'all.

I'm posting this track for you to peep, then I thought I would hit you with one of my favorite diss records from back in the day. Enjoy.

Soul Assassins Forever

Yo what up world? I thought I would show some love for one of my favorite groups of lyrical assassins and straight music making geniuses. The Soul Assassins clika straight runs shit in Cali and if your down with Hip Hop, your down with the Soul Assassins. The SA crew is a collective of straight musical and artistic stunnas that are pushing the hip hop world to step their game up for real. With music, clothing, film and photgraphy, and the greatest tattoo artist on the planet all in their corner, the SA are doin big thangs homie.

When most people hear the name Soul Assassins, they think DJ Muggs and Cypress Hill. But you can add to that a very long roster including The Alchemist, La Coka Nostra, GZA, Sick Jacken, Big Duke, Cynic, Self Scientific, Mr Cartoon, Fredwreck, Planet Asia, and Estevan Oriol. Check out their website for all the latest news and information, and they have one of the dopest online stores with all kinds of shirts, other gear, and CDs for purchase. -------> CLICK HERE!

For the sake of Hip Hop lets hope these brothas continue to bang out classics that have that unique sound and don't conform to the radio bullshit that everyone seems to be trying to emulate.

Here is a little sample of the production and lyrics that come from this camp. Enjoy today's video. And by the way if your ever in the neighborhood in Pasadena, check out the Soul Assassins store at:

2220 E Colorado Blvd
Pasadena, CA 91107
626-683-7500
store@soulassassins.com

The Clipse

Yo what up world? So the Hip Hop world is fixin to get an early Christmas present, as them dope boys from Virginia get ready to hit us with Til The Casket Drops. The album is scheduled to hit stores on December 8th and I can not wait to cop it. I have heard most of the songs off the album and the beats is straight fire. "Im Good" is a nice song and is sure to be a favorite of quite a few heads. You can hear the songs now on their official website.... Click Here Homie.

So without further ado, let me share with you one of the songs from the new album, "Popular Demand", along with the new video. Malice and Pusha T represent that grimy ass Hip Hop that makes you fiend for what they got. Although I'm not a big fan of Cam'ron, he came off on this song and blended well with the Clipse. Enjoy this shit right here and oh by the way STAAAAAAAAAR TREEEEEEEEEEEEK. Pharrell and Chad, ya'll murdered this beat.

How The West Was One-- Snoop W/ DJ Quik @ The Grove in Anaheim

Yo what up world? Chillin. Well last night was the Snoop and Quik show and your boy was there soaking up all the West Coast Hip Hop you can handle in one night. There are a couple things I gotta get off my chest first though. I know you watched Snoop's show Father Hood right? You remember his manager Kevin from the show? Homeboy was waiting in the will call line right in front of me to get his ticket to get in to the show..... that his homie was the main act in. What the fuck, for real??? Dude was mad cool though and was joking about it with me and my Psycho homies, Fred and Efrain. Yo big ups to my boy Maniaco for these pictures. And the award for "Some Shit You Should Never Hear At a Hip Hop Show", goes to the mutha fucka I heard say to this brotha.... "Hey bro that's a tight outfit". Come on dog!

After a real short opening act, Quik came out and smashed shit West Coast style. Right off the bat he had KK and D from 2nd II None rockin the mic with him. They moved effortlessly through joints from 2nd II None and Quik's old shit. How could you go wrong with joints like "Black Pussy", "Just Like Compton", "Born And Raised", and "Tonight". Quik was spittin lyrics and taking swigs out of that Grey Goose bottle he had in his hand for most of his set. This was the first time I had seen Quik and he didn't disappoint. WEST COAST!!!

Before Snoop hit the stage they showed some funny ass videos of Snoop getting all crazy on this yoostar.com site. Funny ass shit like Snoop and Cheech.. Click here. Then Snoop came out in front of a live band with his hair braided and that blue khaki suit. Then he began the trip down memory lane that lasted damn near 2 whole hours. The band got into "The Shiznit" and the crowd was put in a nasty choke hold for real. Everybody there was moving and bobbin their heads as the classics kept rippin out of the speakers. Snoop spit through a couple of songs with a group of 4 women doing choreographed dance routines behind him and around him. Then things got mad funky as Daz and Kurupt made their presence felt as they banged into "What Would You Do". Hit after hit is how I would describe the next hour and a half of dopeness. There were a couple of special guests that came out to join Snoop on a few songs. The Lady of Rage and RBX both had everyone screaming.

Snoop paid tribute to his man Tupac and the lighters were all held high in the air in honor of Mr. Shakur. Snoop went on to let Pacs "Hail Mary" play as the crowd sang along. After a few more songs the show came to an end and the Southern California hip hop crowd filed out into the Anaheim air without incident. This was truly a DOPE show and for those that were lucky enough to see it, I'm sure they went home happy or maybe that was just a contact high from being inside with all the Kush smoke. On this night the West was definitely ONE.

Peep This TODAY Son!

Yo what up world? Wifey sent me a magazine article about this cat that started an on-line radio station dedicated to Hip Hop. I checked it out and not only is it dope, it is FREE. Log onto this shit today and here all kinds of independent hip hop that will make yo ass smile fo real.

It is called Big Noise Radio and they have shit from Jaylib, Mobb Deep, MF Doom, and Defari just to name a few. If you wanna listen to REAL Hip Hop music and are as tired as I am with the radio bullshit, then peep out Bignoiseradio.com homie. You will not be disappointed. According to their site "Big Noise Radio is bringing you the very essence of hip-hop culture and music. Free hip-hop radio delivering unlimited listening of your favorite hip-hop tunes, at least seven hours every day. We present to you the next generation of online hip-hop radio. Not only can you tune in on every computer worldwide at any time you can listen to the songs you like as often as you desire! The player launched on our homepage also allows you to tune right into one of the many interviews we have with hip-hop artists worldwide giving you an insight on hip-hop music, production, business and simply love for the hip-hop culture."

The Carter Documentary

Yo what up world? Chillin, chillin right here. Hip Hop meets cinema once again in the upcoming documentary release about that boy Weezy, aka Lil Wayne. The movie is entitled Lil Wayne: The Carter, and is scheduled for straight to DVD release on November 17th. The film lists QDIII as one of five co-producers and apparently was a big hit at the Sundance Film Festival this year.

According to XXL Magazine, Wayne wasn't happy with some parts of the film and thought that it portrayed him in a negative light. He also claims that he wasn't included on the final cut of the film, and that went against what was agreed on initially. So apparently Weezy filed a law suit for an undisclosed amount of money. The film shows Wayne's success and rise to fame as well some of the things that are looked upon as negative, like his addiction to drinking codeine cough syrup to get his buzz on.

Here is a pretty interesting looking trailer for you to peep out. And if you watch this clip and decide to cop the movie click here.

Madlib Strikes Again

Yo what up world? Here's some good news straight from the Stones Throw Records website...."Madlib is launching the Madlib Medicine Show, a once-a-month, twelve-CD, six-LP series. The Madlib Medicine Show will be a combination of Madlib's new hip-hop productions, remixes, beat tapes, and jazz, as well as mixtapes of funk, soul, Brazilian, psych, jazz and other undefined forms of music from the Beat Konducta's 4-ton* stack of vinyl." Are you kidding me? I can't wait to get my hands on all twelve of these joints.

The first release in this series will be called Madlib Medicine Show No. 1 Before The Verdict, and will have 17 tracks featuring Guilty Simpson. Apparently its a prelude to the duos upcoming OJ Simpson release. Stones Throw.com also states that they are "planning for the vinyl edition of Madlib Medicine Show No. 1 to be a hand-screened, limited edition release. Madlib Medicine Show No. 2, Flight to Brazil, is a mixtape of Brazilian jazz, funk, prog-rock, folk and psychedelia. Later releases will include Beat Konducta in Africa." Show your support to that Cali Hip Hop and cop all 12 of these joints as they are released ..... I know I will. Heres a little bit of that Madlib classic type shit for ya'll to chew on. One of the greatest producers ever in my opinion killin it right here in this dope ass video.

MURS Reppin LA Big Time

Yo what up world? So I was just laid up kickin it and messing around searching for shit on Youtube and came across a video of that brotha MURS. If you don't know MURS than you ain't knowing shit about LA Hip Hop. And if you don't know him, you probably ain't heard the two classics he put out with 9th Wonder, and should get your Hip Hop card pulled for real.

Anyways you need to check this shit out. It appears that Rick Ross and 50 put some shit out spittin over one of my mans beats and he went ahead and spit some classic bars over one of Rick Ross's joints. This shit here made me smile, even though they aint really gettin crazy like some MC Shan and KRS ONE style battles. Peep it out, its worth watchin the 3 and a half minute video. Go head MURS rep the Big Bad Los Angeles and West Coast Hip Hop like it should be done. Oh and big ups to the Living Legends crew for keeping shit on point out here in the West.

SouthernPlayalistic

Yo what up world? I just thought that today would be a good day to pay a little bit of respect to one of the groups that helped pave the way for the South. Yes there had already been some noise coming out the South with groups like the Geto Boys and 2Live Crew, but these brothas from East Point got things mighty hot and poppin with their first release, Southernplayalisticadillacmuzik. This joint came out in 1994 and the rest is history.

For real Big Boi and Dre were living a dream in this rap game, and they were still just teenagers. I remember seeing them at Irvine Meadows for the very first ever 92.3 the Beat Summer Jam and running into them at the little Del Taco stand inside the venue. Yo these cats were just young bucks at the time, but they ripped the stage and held that shit hostage. They are still one of my favorite groups out there, and the music they have made is still a classic listen 15 years later. Throw that first album on and let their tales of Southern life take you back to 94 and lets get it all Crunked up. Here's a little something from that record to ask you "what did the five fingers say to the face?" SLAAAAAAAAAP. Yo and big ups to Warren G ya'll, todays his Birf Day.

HIP HOP HISTORY MONTH

Yo, what up world? If you haven't already heard, The Universal ZULU NATION has called on the world to recognize November as Hip Hop History Month. They are calling on all heads to celebrate the culture and it's history throughout the month of November. They have already been doing this for more than 27 years so its about that time for the rest of us to join in and let the world know Hip Hop is here to stay.

According to the official ZULU Nation website, the official birth date of Hip Hop is November 12, 1974. So by my calendar we are only a few days away from Hip Hop's official 35th birthday. In honor of those fallen soldiers and pioneers of our culture that have paved the way, we should all celebrate and recognize that this wouldn't be possible without the forefathers and they're efforts. People from all over the world travel to New York every year to celebrate in the birth place that is the Holy Mecca of Hip Hop. I have that trip high on my list of spots to hit before I leave this earth, and will definitely make November the month of travel.

For all the Hip Hop heads out there, here is a little gem from our past to honor the culture and pay homage to the birth. Yo RIP to Skeeter Rabbit from the Electric Boogaloos. You will be greatly missed.

Throw Back Thursday

What up world? Chillin chillin. Its Thursday and here's my Throwback pick of the week. Its the Liks baby, its the Liks. I can describe this West Coast Super Group in one word............ DOPE! This group had been a favorite of mine for a while now. And when I say favorite, I'm talking favorite records and live shows. Just keep in mind that if you go to a Liks show, your gonna get wet if your in the front row.

This album came out in 1993 and became the anthem for parties everywhere. Yo this record was my theme music for getting my drank on. Ain't no party like a Alkaholiks party. Oh fo sho homeboi. This record gets to spinning and the Dynamic Trio get to spittin some of the freshest lyrics to come out of the Left Coast. J-ro, Tash, and E Swift definitely put a new face on the West Coast rap scene. Usually I would name a few joints off the record and say that these are the ones that keep the rest of the record afloat, but this shit is straight banga after banga. If you haven't heard this album, get yo ass up and out of the house, and get to the local record store to pick it up. You wont be disappointed with the beats or the lyrics.

Here is a little video gem for all the Liks fans past, present, and future. Enjoy it.

New Release From The Wu

Yo what up world? If you know me, then you know one of my favorite groups is the Wu. From day one these brothas have been on point from the bottom to the top of their click. Everyone has got a favorite Wu swordsman. Ask somebody who theirs is and you will hear a name that is pretty prominent in hip hop even today.

The Clan is set to release Enter the Dubstep on November 12th of this year and I am anxious to hear how it comes out. But hold onto your Kangols son, cuz this ain't gonna be a typical Wu release produced by the God RZA. This is Part 2 of a groundbreaking colabo, where Dubstep music meets the grimy ass Wu Tang Clan. So expect to hear Wu lyrics over some funky ass bass and drum type electric music. The songs I previewed were DOPE and would get play in my ride on a daily. So I will definitely cop this joint. In honor of some classic Wu, here's a little gem for y'all to peep.

HAPPY HALLOWEEN WORLD

Yo what up world? Today is Halloween and I feel like I am starring in a horror film after being laid up sick for 2 days. I am definitely feeling like every things getting back to normal so I thought I would holla. Word is that Mike Beck, an up and coming emcee from Brooklyn died last night. Respect goes out to his family in their time of grief. For all y'all out there with young bucks and shorties going trick or treatin', keep it safe.

In honor of this Halloween and of the old school, I thought I would post this dope ass video for your viewing pleasure. Enjoy it.

Look Out Gamers, Make Way for Hip Hop

What up world? Well it is finally here. The hip hop version of guitar hero, DJ Hero, has hit the streets.

The same guys who brought Guitar Hero to the masses, have set their sites on the world of emceein and DJing. There has been talk of this game coming out for awhile and it has gotten some really good reviews so far.

The game hit the streets yesterday and from all accounts, it flew off the shelves in stores all over the country. As you can see from the photo, the player gets to scratch on a device that is similar to a turntable and even has a cross fader.

Here's the overview of the game straight from the DJ Hero site:

DJ HERO™ Overview
The makers of Guitar Hero introduce an entirely fresh and innovative way to experience music. DJ Hero features an amazing variety of music across genres – tracks that you love and reflect who you are. Using an authentic turntable controller, you will spin and scratch more than 102 songs into unique mixes and become the life of the party. Get ready for a whole new phenomena in music.
Access Unprecedented Music Variety: Mix and scratch over 102 individual songs, highlighted in over 93 exclusive new mixes that blend genres of music, including hip-hop, electronica, R&B, Motown, pop, and rock. DJ Hero brings the hottest artists including: Black Eyed Peas, 50 Cent, Justice, Marvin Gaye, Beastie Boys, N.E.R.D, and more.
Experience Music in a Revolutionary Way: The DJ Hero turntable controller immerses you into authentic DJ culture allowing you to scratch, cross-fade, and beat match. Customize your mix with a variety of effects and samples transforming a face in the crowd into the life of the party.
Rule the Hottest Parties: Where Guitar Hero brought gamers into the world of rock ‘n’ roll, DJ Hero brings you into the hottest scenes around. Party in venues reminiscent of real world locales from around the globe including an ultra plush and sexy Hollywood Hills style mansion to an open air beach club in Ibiza.
Party with Your Friends: Features online and offline multi player competitive and cooperative modes.

ARE YOU A PSYCHO?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?

What up world? I just wanted to take a few minutes to share with you one of my favorite groups to ever grace the mic. If you have never listened to the Psycho Realm, you need to cop the first record and strap the headphones on. When you first glance at these brothas, you are no doubt gonna have a stereo-typical first impression of them. Then as soon as you hear the lyrics and the flow melting your ear drums like butta, that first impression if these Pico Union raised brothas will turn to "OH SHIT".

I wanted to take time today to show love to Sick Jacken and Duke, so here is a video from the homies first album for you to enjoy as well. I can guarantee that once you listen to that first album, you will be hooked and looking for the second album. I'm talking hooked like a dope fiend looking for that next bag, and willing to do whatever to get it. There will be an upcoming post dedicated to the Psycho Realm in the near future. So if you haven't heard their music, welcome to the Realm, and let me ask you "What type of drugs do you do, and what do you do to get your hands on your shit muthafuka?".

Monday Cure All

Yo what up world? Did you see that movie Office Space? That joint was funny. You remember how homeboy said he had a case of the Mondays? Yeah I don't know what this cat was talking about, cuz I don't ever want to be at work regardless of what damn day of the week it is. But you know the saying, "You don't work, you don't eat".

This weekend I was watching a college football game on a major television network, and I saw this commercial for Nike or some other big time brand. Yo this wouldn't be a big deal except for the fact that the song in the background was this old Digable Planets joint. I sat there on the couch with a big ass Kool Aid man smile and just got to thinking.....Damn homie, Hip Hop has come a long way. So as a tribute to the past of hip hop and a toast to the bright ass future, I would love to put this joint out into the blogger universe for all hip hop lovers to reminisce. So play this joint and take yourself back to the early 90's, and raise your glass to Hip Hop's past. You will probably smile like I did, and just hearing that slick ass beat should get you to relax. Oh and by the way...... I'm cool like that.

Upcoming Show Calendar

Yo what up world?

This weekend was the Cypress Hill Smokeout put on by the Homies from Guerilla Union. You probably recognize Guerilla Union from the Rock The Bells shows. I still remember the trippy ass show I went to a few years back in the parking lot of Anaheim Stadium. We were there under the Big A to see the reunion show of A Tribe Called Quest. The mood went from excited, to fucked up about mid-way through the day. That was the day Ol Dirty Bastard passed away. Its a trip to sit back and remember all of the shows you've been to, and the stories and shit that go with them. I didn't get a chance to go up to Devore this year for the Smokeout, but I'm sure them brothas all repped whats good.

If you are lucky enough to call sunny Southern Cali home, then here is a sneak peek at the upcoming shows that you can start saving your duckets for.

OCTOBER

28th--- Rakim @ the El Rey Theatre

NOVEMBER

4th--- Queen Latifah @ HOB Sunset Strip

8th--- Jay-Z w/ NERD @ Pauley Pavilion

12th--- Too $hort @ The Key Club

18th--- Raekwon @ HOB Sunset Strip

18th--- Snoop w/ DJ Quik @ the Grove of Anaheim

19th--- Snoop w/ DJ Quik @ Club Nokia

DECEMBER

3rd--- Digable Planets @ The Key Club

11th--- People Under the Stairs @ The Detroit Bar

11th--- Ice Cube @ HOB Sunset Strip

12th--- Ice Cube @ HOB Las Vegas

JANUARY

8th--- Mellow Man Ace w/ Funkdoobiest @ The Key Club

9th--- Mellow Man Ace w/ Funkdoobiest @ The Roxy

FEBRUARY

21th--- Ludacris & Common @ The LA Sports Arena

Yo What Ever Happened To Steady B????

Yo, I know you remember my man Steady B. I can hear that joint right now. You remember that joint. That joint called "Serious". I'm just holding myself back right now from standing up at this desk and doing that damn dance that I saw the dancers doing while Steady B and KRS spit into the mics. "I was listening to BDP when suddenly........".

Steady B was born Warren McGlone. This cat was one of the original emcees to come out of Illadelphia. Steady B and the rest of that first group paved the way for groups like the Roots, and put Philly on the map. Steady went on to release five albums as a solo artist signed to Jive records. These albums didn't receive national recognition or fame, but to true hip hop heads they are definitely a part of our cultures history.

Steady B went on to form C.E.B with a couple of his homies from Philly. This group included Cool C and Ultimate Eaze, and in 1992 they released their only album together, Countin' Endless Bank. The album had one single, called "Get the Point", that was actually pretty damn funky and reached #5 on Billboards Hot Rap Singles. If you watch the video that was released with this song it actually begins with a prison and courthouse scene that seems eerily ironic. The C.E.B album didn't cause any ruckus in the rap world and the three brothas from Philly were in a music standstill.

Apparently times weren't as glamorous as Steady B and Cool C wanted them to be in 1996. Something happened, and according to police, the two were involved in a botched bank robbery in Philadelphia. During the robbery, a female police officer was shot and killed. Gats left behind at the scene led police back to Steady B and Cool C. The two were arrested for the murder and both stood trial. Steady B was found guilty of second degree murder and was then sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of ever getting parole. He is currently in a Pennsylvania State Prison serving his sentence. Cool C was sentenced to death by lethal injection and was scheduled to be executed in March of 2006 but was granted a stay of execution in February of the same year.

Throwback Thursday Record Review

What up world? This is the first official edition of the Triple Optic Hip Hop Throwback Thursday Record Review. As you can see by the album cover, today's pick is Illmatic by one of the nastiest spitters reppin since the early 90's. Nas came out of nowhere with this record and just kicked in the door of the hip hop world with his guns smokin. This record was released in April of 1994 and the world was introduced officially to Nasty Nas. It wasn't the first time I had heard Nas rhyme over a beat though. And if you were a fan of underground hip hop, you had probably already heard him as well. That's Nas on the first verse of Main Source's "Live at the BBQ". That would of been a dope ass BBQ to be at.

Illmatic opens up with a sort of skit track called "Genesis". And I believe the goal of that song was to put the listener into a "New York state of mind". What better way to do this, than to have the sounds of the train rumbling over some tracks and the sound of an oldschool beat in the background blending in with Nas and his Queens Bridge homies shootin the issh about various things. It definitely got me in the state of mind they were lookin for, and then they roll right into the DJ Premier produced "New York State of Mind". As with the rest of the album, the lyrics and the flow on this song are absolutely bananas. With lines like, "I never sleep cuz sleep is the cousin of death", Nas has one leg in the front door of Hip Hops crib and prepared to get mad comfortable.

AZ makes a guest appearance on the L.E.S produced, "Lifes a Bitch", and these two brothas from QB murder this track. Try and tell me you were able to not sing the chorus back in 1994 after you played the record front to back 15 times the first day it came out. "Lifes a bitch then you die, thats why we stay high.. Cuz you never know when you gonna go". Amen brothas, Amen. One of my favorite producers makes his first appearance on this record with "The World is Yours". What a sick ass track. Pete Rock lays down pure genius and Nas gets funky with his bad self. "I'm out for presidents to represent me... Say what? .... Im out for dead president to represent me".

The Legendary Large Professor blazes his first of three tracks on this classic album with "Halftime". This beat is ridiculous and makes me uncontrollably bob my head with it's funkiness. "I used to watch CHiPs now I load Glocc clips". This is just one line in a song that is relentless in its ass whooping of your senses. Come up for air Nas, your killing em'. It really seems like I am on the jock of the producers of this album, but you cannot deny the pure genius of these cats. Primo strikes again on the next track with "Memory Lane". And yes I was ready to take that trip. Nas continues to destroy every beat put in front of him and this song keeps that streak going. "Peace God".

Q-Tip makes an appearance in the production category with "One Love" and damn near takes the award for the Best Production on this album. The beat and the flow are the example of what makes this music an art form. Nuff said. Large Professor seems to want to make his play for that award, as he lays down the jazzy "One Time For Your Mind". You can just picture a three piece Jazz band playing in a mad smoky room, as Nas spits his gems into the mic. Pure unadulterated dope. And then here comes Primo again. He doesn't want to be left out of the competition so he lays down "Represent" to vie for the title. Nas doesn't let off the throttle and spits that smooth flow and raspy voice into the mic with bar after bar of dopeness.

The album is closed out with Large Professor providing "It Ain't Hard To Tell". How could this song not be bangin with samples from Michael Jackson and Kool & The Gang? When I hear this song it just reminds me of chillin out on a Saturday afternoon, with a cooler full of cold ones and something cookin on the grill. As a matter of fact, this is my new official BBQ theme track. This album is simply described with one single word......CLASSIC. It is timeless and even the youngsters coming up today only knowing hip hop as the shit they hear on the radio, would not have anything negative to say about this gem. It is an art though and people will interpret art in different ways. But if you are a fan of true Hip Hop, you know as well as I do that this record is one of the greatest of our time. Do your thang Nas and REPRESENT REPRESENT.

Welcome To My Mind

What is up world? Allow me to introduce myself. My government is Steven J Bailey and I have a deep love for Music. It is my strong belief that without music, this would be a whole different ballgame. Now let me clarify what types of music I am speaking about. I grew up on Hip Hop and that is where my heart is. When I say Hip Hop, I am referring to late 80's early 90's Hip Hop. You know when Hip Hop was an art form and not a radio spins competition. Times were a lot different back then and so was the music. Can you close your eyes and remember what it sounded like? I can. Listen closely.... Cant you hear that drum line and piano opening up and starting the classic "The Bridge Is Over", by the Legendary Boogie Down Productions. I can.

My mistress to my love of Hip Hop is the gorgeous sound of Reggae music. I will save that love story for another day. I want to focus on Hip Hop for right now. If you are around my age, 36, you have seen the evolution of our culture and music. To me, it used to have a purpose. Sure it had all the braggadocios lyrics and male bravado that it does today, but it still had a meaning back in the day. Where are the political and revolutionary emcees and groups repping our culture like we had in the 90's? Where is the next Public Enemy, Paris, or X-Clan?

I remember those Golden Years of Hip Hop, when I couldn't wait to get my hand on the newest album from NWA or Eric B and Rakim. When a record came out back then, every joint on that was a banger. It was all fire and no filler. Today's artist seems to put out their albums with one or two quality songs and 14 others that had no business even being made. I-tunes should force these artists to make a hot album, because if you only have one good song on a record, you will only get .99 for that song and not the whole 12.00 or whatever a CD goes for nowadays.

Oh well enough for today. I will be posting everyday....... if possible and life permitting..... something about hip hop. I will also be reviewing shows as they come through Southern California. When there are no shows to write about, I will review records from today's artist and the Glorious Past. Hey speaking of 90's Hip Hop, if you haven't heard about it or got your tickets, the Cypress Hill Smokeout is this Saturday. I am so amped up to see the reunion shows of The Geto Boys and The Goodie MOB. This show will be pure DOPE.